Culture Clash

In my opinion, this picture is a perfect representation if this piece not only because it shows Cabeza de Vaca in the way that most scholars have come to view him, but because it is jammed packed with symbolism as well. If one were to look at this image closely, they would notice the staff he is holding is not just a mere piece of wood, but that it is fashioned in the image of the symbolic cross. They would noticed that de Vaca, with his eyes cast upward as if speaking to the gods themselves, is intentionally potrayed as some sort of savior, maybe even reminiscent of Jesus Christ himself. The truly observant, however, would also note the food scattered across the ground as offerings, and that the Natives may have viewed Cabeza not only as a healer, but as a god.

This view may have also been held by the savior in question himself, as he makes many comparisons between the life and death of Jesus Christ and his own trials. “Blood flowed from us in many places where the thorns and shrubs tore our flesh….my only solace was to think of the sufferings of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and the blood he had shed for me.” This piece sure makes the connection between the Lord and Cabeza de Vaca, even if he himself did not. The Native Americans can be seen waiting patiently before the Spaniard, possibly hoping for some sort of miracle healing ritual to be performed.

There are also conclusions that can be drawn from this picture, besides any allusions toward the Bible. One could conclude that Cabeza de Vaca, with his clothing being nearly indistinguishable from the Native Americans surrounding him, has successfully assimilated into Indian life while still maintaining his Christian beliefs. In my opinion, this image not only embodies the esteemed reputation and benevolent attitudes that succeeded the man, but the blending of ideals and melding of the cultures may have resulted from him.